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The basics:

• Georgian Court launches fully online MSN in nursing informatics
• Program begins Spring 2027, applications now open
• Degree focuses on AI, telehealth, data systems, healthcare innovation
• Partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health supports hands-on learning

Georgian Court University has launched a new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Informatics, Innovation & Technology. The fully online graduate program seeks to prepare nurses for leadership roles in the rapidly expanding digital healthcare landscape.

Applications are now open for the program. It will welcome its first cohort in Spring 2027. The 36-credit degree was developed through the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness.

Participants can complete the course in as little as 18 months. The learning is geared toward working registered nurses seeking to advance their careers while remaining in practice.

GCU officials said the program responds to growing demand for healthcare professionals who can bridge clinical care and emerging technologies. Coursework will focus on:

• Nursing informatics
• Health information systems
• Data management
• Healthcare innovation
• Ethics
• Regulation
• Digital health technologies, including artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and telehealth

“Healthcare organizations need professionals who can lead at the intersection of clinical practice, data, and innovation,” said Eugene Cornacchia, interim president of Georgian Court University. “This new degree will prepare nurses for leadership roles in one of healthcare’s fastest-evolving fields while meeting the workforce needs of an increasingly technology-driven healthcare system.”

The offering expands Georgian Court’s graduate nursing education as well as mark’s the university’s second master’s-level nursing program. The GCU Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program launched in 2022.

According to the college, graduates of the latest program will be prepared for careers as nursing informatics specialists, clinical informatics managers, healthcare innovation strategists, clinical systems analysts, telehealth directors and other technology-focused healthcare leadership positions.

‘A unique clinical perspective’

Theresa Wurmser, dean of the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness, said nurses play a critical role in shaping how healthcare technology is implemented and evaluated.

“Nurses bring a unique clinical perspective to the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare technologies,” said Wurmser. “This program prepares graduates to ensure innovation improves patient outcomes while preserving the human-centered care that defines our profession.”

This program prepares graduates to ensure innovation improves patient outcomes while preserving the human-centered care that defines our profession.
– Theresa Wurmser, dean, Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness

A key component of the curriculum is a two-course capstone sequence that includes 200 hours of supervised practice immersion. Students will work with faculty mentors and clinical preceptors to develop and evaluate solutions to real-world healthcare informatics challenges.

The program also builds on Georgian Court’s partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, providing students with access to professional networks, healthcare settings and hands-on learning opportunities.

“The nurses who complete this program will learn how to evaluate emerging technologies critically, use data strategically, and lead innovation while keeping patient care at the center of every decision,” said Kathryn Fleming, associate dean and professor-in-residence.